Australian Football Association of North America

Just as Round 18 was getting underway, Carlton announced the passing of Sergio Silvagni, aged 83. He is the father of club legend Steve Silvagni - aka SOS - and the grandfather of current player Jack. Steve's son. Ben Silvagni, was also drafted in 2018 but never played a senior debut and was delisted at the end of 2020.

The AFL and Google have teamed up to launch a new program to teach the skills of Australian Football. It will give access to anyone, anywhere - whether in Australia or internationally; or whether it be a future player or just a fan who wants to have a try at the skills. It is called Footy Skills Lab and is free and accessible via computer and smartphone with an internet connection. It will allow those who might not otherwise have other resources for learning the skills of the game.

AFL Skills Promo Video

Just after round 15, Levi Greenwood announced his retirement. Greenwood, 32, has not played since suffering a concussion in Round Five. Although the symptoms have subsided, he made the decision after consulting with club doctors and other specialists. Greenwood has a history of concussions and decided to give his health priority.

Greenwood was drafted by North Melbourne in 2007 and played 74 games before being traded to Collingwood at the end of 2014. He played 86 games with the Magpies. He kicked a total of 57 goals in those 160 games.

Just as Round 15 was getting underway, the Adelaide Crows announced four new inductees into the club's Hall of Fame. The inductees were inaugural captain Chris McDermott, dual premiership captain Mark Bickley and premiership players Tyson Edwards and Nigel Smart. The gala was held at the Adelaide Entertainment Centre with 750 guests attending. Many of those were current players from the men's and women's teams.

The club set up the Hall of Fame in 2015. Inaugural inductees were former chairmen Bill Hammond and Bob Sanders, Ben Hart, Tony Modra, Andrew McLeod, Malcolm Blight, Mark Ricciuto, and Simon Goodwin.

THE INDUCTEES

After 10 seasons as senior coach of Collingwood, Nathan Buckley announced he would step aside after the Round 13 match. This despite a hard-fought win against the Crows in Round 12. However, it was just the third win for the Magpies who sit 16th in the standings with nine losses. St Kilda legend and long-time assistant Robert Harvey will take over as interim coach for the rest of the season. Football boss Graham Wright said the decision was made collaboratively following six months of chats.

Buckley, 48, made the call to step aside almost immediately and faced the media with Anderson and Wright. The press conference was virtual due to COVID protocols. Buckley said he felt "blessed to be part of this football club” and explained his decision to depart midseason and why he thought the club was in decent shape for the future,